Tuesday, March 3, 2009

February Holiday...

This is my mother - she was 91 Feb 21, and I went to Georgia to celebrate with her. Here she is talking with some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - she had a very happy birthday.
So, that put me halfway to Jacksonville, and I kept driving...
We drove down to Ft Myers Monday and spent a day with John's twin brothers; then headed out for our adventure.

We drove out to Marco Island , where we honeymooned a l-o-n-g time ago. We had not been back since, and we were amazed....boy, has it changed. (Probably no more than we have though).

Our first stop, thanks to the advice of Robert Sobczak, was Corkscrew Swamp near Naples. That was where we saw the painted buntings, and they were simply stunning! This is an immature wood stork; Corkscrew has a relatively large number of nesting wood storks, whose population has been in decline.


Immature white ibis....All the "kids" were out that day. I have so many photos to post, that I'll do a few along; I want to leave time to look at your blogs.

19 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Welcome home, Helen... Sounds like an incredible trip. Your sweet Mama reminded me a little of my mother. My Mama died in 1991--and I miss her so much.

That was so neat --getting to return to Marco Island. And to see Corkscrew Swamp must have been great also. I keep up with Robert's blog also. He's a very smart man.

Hope you found everything at home in good shape.
Hugs,
Betsy

abb said...

Hope you're having a most wonderful time, Helen. Your mom looks just wonderful. You may already know about this, but just in case...try to visit the Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve on Sanibel Island. You photo opportunities will be endless! I've only been there once many years ago while visiting my aunt. It was the highlight of my visit!

June said...

Your mom looks terrific! As for Sanibel, it's not looked the same since Hurricane Charley came through.

Eve said...

Happy Birthday to mom...she looks wonderful.
They youngsters there look pretty great too Helen. Can't wait to see more.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Your Mother is a beautiful lady.It is so special to have a mother who has reached such a golden age.
Blesings,Ruth

DeniseinVA said...

Happy Belated Birthday to your Mom Helen. Doesn't she look like she is having a great time on that phone? Wonderful smile! All your photos are fantastic.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a fun and successful trip. I look forward to seeing more of your Nature photos.

Arija said...

What a happy trip, I have friend who was 93 on the same day. Your mother lokks like a very loving, lovable lady, I hope she sees many more birthdays to come.

Jayne said...

Oh, I do hope we'll see your photos of some painted buntings Helen! So glad you all got to spend some wonderful time together. :c)

Dave Coulter said...

Awesome. The last time I was in Florida was in 1976 - by Ft Myers Beach. I BET it's changed!

Roses and Lilacs said...

Your Mom looks great I would have never guessed 91.

The Corkscrew Swamp, what a great name. I've never visited but would love to.
Marnie

Peggy said...

Welcome back Helen,

Looks like a great trip so far! I would love to see the creatures highlighted here!

Anonymous said...

Hi Helen, your Mum looks marvellous.

Mary said...

These are great! Glad you are having a good time.

Shelley said...

How lovely that your mom celebrated her 91st birthday! Good genes in your family!! Loved the Ibis photos! Miss your regular postings!!

Unknown said...

Great photos of Corkscrew. And wow, I didn't know you honeymooned in Marco. Things have changed for sure. But others not so much. I'm glad the trip worked out for you: you hit some good weather for visiting. It's been very very dry.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Helen: Congrats to Mom for looking so well at 91. I love your wild bird photos.

Naturegirl said...

How blessedyou are to have mom look so good at 91! I love the area you are exploring! sun gazing in AZ.NG

Sky said...

I found a link to your blog somewhere (can't remember now, but a nature bloglist) and came by to treat my eyes to this feast of beautiful photographs! delightful, indeed.

then i scrolled back to older posts and saw this photograph of your mom in GA. i was at once reminded of my own mother who lived in GA, too, until she died in feb. she would have been 83 in may. her death has been quite an adjustment. i was traveling back to seattle when you were driving south to FL.

i will be back to visit again and will try to pick up some archives each time. this is a great find for me!